"It's time for San Antonio to make a significant investment in mass transit," he said. "The details of that need public input and planning, but there's a resolve not just to plan but to act."

Though details on funding sources are scant, the mayor signaled the city needs to position itself to receive whatever federal money might become available.

"I think that's particularly true now that you have the Obama administration now focused on infusing cities with stimulus dollars for transit, particularly transit that is linked to development," he said. "San Antonio right now is a nonstarter on that issue, and we could remake the urban core of the city by investing in mass transit."

Castro's remarks constituted his strongest and most pointed declaration yet that rail must connect the city center to its outer areas - and spur economic development along the way.

Muñoz said the mayor realizes the importance of transit in San Antonio's future.

The two are slated for a trip to Seattle next week to study its rail system. Marty Wender, the Westover Hills developer tapped to chair the local commission, said he also plans to visit Seattle as well as other cities. He emphasized he would pay his own way.

Before rail becomes reality in San Antonio, VIA has to determine whether it's a feasible technology for the city, and that's a determination the new commission will help make.

Slated to meet several times in the next few months, the group is expected to make a recommendation to VIA's trustees later this year. Muñoz has said he hopes to announce a rail project by year's end, though he tempered his eagerness Wednesday during a news conference when he said the commission's mission is to first determine whether a streetcar or light rail "is even feasible."

The commission also will study other cities' rail systems, work with VIA's engineering consultants on finalizing a feasibility study, and determine how a rail project in San Antonio would impact quality of life, economic development and revitalization of the urban core.